Advertisement

View synonyms for demagogue

demagogue

or dem·a·gog

[ dem-uh-gog, -gawg ]

noun

  1. a person, especially an orator or political leader, who gains power and popularity by arousing the emotions, passions, and prejudices of the people.
  2. (in ancient times) a leader of the people.


verb (used with object)

, dem·a·gogued, dem·a·gogu·ing.
  1. to treat or manipulate (a political issue) in the manner of a demagogue; obscure or distort with emotionalism, prejudice, etc.

verb (used without object)

, dem·a·gogued, dem·a·gogu·ing.
  1. to speak or act like a demagogue.

demagogue

/ ˈdɛməˌɡɒɡ /

noun

  1. a political agitator who appeals with crude oratory to the prejudice and passions of the mob
  2. (esp in the ancient world) any popular political leader or orator


demagogue

  1. A politician who seeks to win and hold office by appeals to mass prejudice . Demagogues often use lies and distortion. ( See Adolf Hitler and Joseph Stalin .)


Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of demagogue1

1640–50; < Greek dēmagōgós a leader of the people, popular leader, equivalent to dêm ( os ) people + agōgós leading, guiding; -agogue

Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of demagogue1

C17: from Greek dēmagōgos people's leader, from dēmos people + agein to lead

Discover More

Example Sentences

And despite the urgent optics of the border kids crisis, our D.C. politicos would rather demagogue the issue than deal with it.

Too many politicians would rather demagogue an issue than deal with it.

But as a demagogue for whom total power meant all, he realized that to capture Italy he needed the church.

No wonder so many politicians see more upside in demagogue-ing the issue than dealing with it.

But any ambiguous result is easy for a demagogue to spin into a great victory.

There are limitations to what government can accomplish; there are no limitations to what a demagogue can promise.

It often happens that the people are too ready to follow the demagogue and to repudiate and ridicule the honest reformer.

"If men in these days open their mouths to speak for their human rights it's a disturbance," retorted the demagogue.

It must be ruled either by the weight and influence of the country gentlemen, or left to the mercy of the demagogue.

To divert the attention of the crowd from a demagogue who shouted, 'Clericalism is the great enemy!'

Advertisement

Related Words

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement


demagogicdemagoguery